Dr. Willis's practice of physick being the whole works of that renowned and famous physician wherein most of the diseases belonging to the body of man are treated of, with excellent methods and receipts for the cure of the same : fitted to the meanest capacity by an index for the explaining of all the hard and unusual words and terms of art derived from the Greek, Latine, or other languages for the benefit of the English reader : with forty copper plates.

SECT. II. (Book 2)

CHAP. I. Of Vomiting and Medicins that give Vomits.

HAving thus marked out, as it were, the Place of Medicinal action, or at least lightly shadowed forth the first Scene thereof, my next business is to give you an account of the several kinds of Medicinal Operations, together with the Reasons of them, and the manner how they work upon, or affect the parts. First therefore let us inquire, what is done in the first stage, to wit, in the Stomach, and how Vomits work there. Where in the first place it will be necessary to explain what Vomiting is, as likewise from what causes, and upon what occasion, whether naturally or pre∣ternaturally, it usually happens. And then in the second place, I shall shew upon what Parts, Spirits, or Humours, and how Medicins operate whilest they provoke us to vomit.

As to the first, if at any time any person be set on vomiting, he feels within him∣self * 1.1 the bottom of his Stomach drawn upward, and the upper orifice opened (whilest the Pylorus in the mean time is very probably shut, or drawn inward) and that the whole passage of the Weazon at the same time strains to make a spiral winding kind of motion upward, to the end that what is within, being by degrees pushed higher, may at length be discharged through the mouth. Which motion of those parts is que∣stionless performed by the fleshy fibres that compose the middlemost coat of the Sto∣mach. For I have observed, that there are in this two distinct ranks of fleshy or mo∣ving fibres, which encompass the Stomach in all its dimensions, and being contracted at the same time, gather up the bottom and the sides thereof, draw it upward, and bend it toward this or that orifice, that what is contained in it may be cast forth through one or the other door. As for the inner fibres, that determine the contra∣ctions of all the rest to this or that evacuation, if, through a small irritation made any where about the bottom or sides of the Stomach, the motion begins near the Pylorus, and the inward moving fibres are first and more strongly contracted at their right ends, then the whole frame of the Stomach being drawn that way, pours out its load into the Guts; but if the irritation being vehement and very provoking, be caused in any part of the Stomach, and cannot easily be allayed or transferred toward the Guts, the mo∣tion beginning near the left ends of the inner fibres, and drawing towards the mouth of the Stomach, makes all the body of the Stomach, which is extremely streightned and contracted, lean that way: in so much that the Pylorus being drawn inward, or shut up, and the mouth of the Stomach open, all things therein contained are thrown out, by way of Vomit. Now the same fleshy fibres (according as the animal Spirits being variously provoked, do first gush out of the several tendons into their right or left ends, and there begin the motion) are respectively determined to purging or vo∣miting. * 1.2 Moreover, when the Stomach is disposed to throw a thing upward in man∣ner

aforesaid, the Weazon too conspires in the action, and strives to get it out. For seeing we have observed that there are two double ranks of motive fibres in the fleshy coat of it, whereof the one part ascending obliquely, and the other descending after the same manner, cross one another, it seems to be the office of the former, being or∣derly contracted whilest the Party strains to vomit, still to shut the Weazon behind the matter that is to be thrown out, and so by degrees to push it into the cavity of the mouth.

Vomiting therefore, being a violent, and oftentimes an involuntary motion of the Stomach, may very well be called a kind of Convulsion: which I also affirm to pro∣ceed * 1.3 from the explosion [discharge] or a great expansion [or broadning] of the ani∣mal Spirits that possess or inhabit those fibres, according to our account of Spasms or Contractions and Convulsions elsewhere laid down. For those Spirits being extreme∣ly irritated or disturbed, and upon that account growing presently very vehement and springy, they rush impetuously out of the tendons that lie near the left orifice, and afterward immediately out of others into the fleshy fibres, which they extraordinarily blow up and shorten, in so much that all the parts of that coat are brought nearer to each other, the whole cavity of the Stomach being streightned, folded together, and consequently contracted toward the left orifice, drives all that is in it upward, in order to its being discharged by Vomit.

In most other kinds of Spasms the convulsive motion is wont to proceed the same * 1.4 way as the natural: But Vomiting seems to be quite contrary, or at least oppo∣site to the ordinary and natural action of the Stomach. For the usual and almost con∣stant gesture or motion of that, is to be contracted either wholly or in some parts, downward or toward the Pylorus: for such a motion or tendency it wants, not onely to swallow meats, but that they may descend into the bottom of the Stomach, and there being more streightly compressed, be rolled from side to side, digested into Chyle, and after that transmitted to the Guts. Wherefore for these uses the moving fibres of both ranks, being blown up by the kind incursions of the Spirits, put the Stomach into such a posture as the instinct of Nature requires and suggests.

Again, If any irritation happen in the nervous fibres of the Stomach as long as the offence is slight and easily removed, the expulsive contraction works toward the Py∣lorus rather than the Weazon; but in Vomiting, the contraction of the motive fibres beginning from their other, that is, their left ends, and growing immediately more violent and impetuous, forces the whole cavity of the Stomach, being gathered up to∣gether, and much streightned, to bend toward the left orifice, and empty it self that way. The reason of which is, because if there be any thing in the Stomach that is very disagreeable and repugnant to Nature, it ought not to be carried the ordinary way through the long circuit of the Guts, and so at last be voided at the Fundament, but to be rejected by a nearer passage, and immediately be thrown out, left by remain∣ing there it should cause in the Body some incurable disaster. Besides, when any great mischief befals other parts remote from the Stomach, it oftentimes so happens, that People Vomit by consent [of the parts] for the greater security of the Stomach, lest whilest Nature is imployed about those other parts, the Stomach (in which is the origi∣nal nourishment and fewel of life) should receive any thing that is hurtful. So well it is contrived by the providence of the Divine Creator, that for the greater security of Mans Body as of some Castle, as often as a foreign Enemy comes upon it, or that its own Natives raise Civil Wars, immediately all Strangers are turned out of the very Avenews, to wit the Stomach, as Persons suspected.

Now therefore the principal and immediate cause of Vomiting is, the sudden and * 1.5 vehement explosion or discharge of the Animal Spirits that are in the fleshy coat of the Stomach; by which they being very much irritated or stirred, and consequently ex∣panded [or widened] and rarified, and gushing impetuously out of all the tendinous fibres, but first and chiefly out of them, that are planted near the mouth of the Sto∣mach into the fleshy ones, do so on a sudden inflate or blow up and shorten them, that the sides and bottom of the Stomach being drawn nearer to each other, and at the same time raised toward the left orifice, throw out what is therein contained into the passage of the Weazon, through which (since that is likewise presently contracted all along from the bottom to the top) they are carried off at the Mouth.

These Spirits are so exploded or discharged in Vomiting, because they are extreme∣ly * 1.6 irritated or provoked: which how it comes to pass, I have shewn in my Treatise of Convulsions: to wit, that they, being of a very elastical or springy nature, when any thing disturbs them, yea sometimes of their own accord, and by reason that what should be their couple to keep them together is of a different nature, break forth, and hurry themselves impetuously toward all parts. But upon what account, and how it hap∣pens

that they are so provoked, we shall enquire by and by. In the mean time we may observe, that the Spirits which reside in the fibres of the Stomach are in some people either thicker or stronger, so that they are not moved to such emetick explosions or discharges by Vomit, unless the irritation or provocation be very great and strong: but in others they are more subtle, i. e. slender, or elastical and springy, so as to be ea∣sily incited to vomitive Spasms or Contractions. So also we may take notice, that when the provocation is given to the fleshy fibres of the Stomach, the contraction that is caused in them, tends more readily toward the Pylorus, but in others, toward the mouth of the Stomach; and consequently it is accordingly attended with Vomit∣ing or Purging.

Wherefore, as to the more remote causes of Vomiting, I am of opinion, that they * 1.7 are all such things as do extraordinarily irritate or provoke the Spirits, which are in the fleshy fibres of the Stomach: which being performed after several manners, I shall reduce them to some certain Heads. And first, All unproportionate objects that affect the other inner and nervous coat of the Stomach, or rather the Spirits that reside in it, are to be looked upon as conducing thereunto; for that coat being vellicared, or twitched by them, doth oftentimes move the other which lies over it to vomitive con∣tractions. Now those provocatives are either taken in at the mouth, that is, they are either disagreeable Food, Medicins, Poisons, or other matter generated in the Sto∣mach; or lastly, are brought thither from remote parts by the Arteries and Nerves: or else secondly, the Spirits that reside in the fleshy fibres of the Stomach are irritated or stirred up by some distubance given to other Spirits that are here and there disper∣sed at a distance, and do communicate their grievance to the Stomach by the passa∣ges of the Fibres or Nerves. Vomiting which is excited by the former of these two causes, is said to be a proper indisposition of the Stomach, but this latter happens by consent. Of all which I will give you some instances.

First therefore an irritation or provocation in the inner coat of the Stomach, cau∣ses * 1.8 Vomiting sooner than any thing else: For this part being nervous and very sensi∣ble, receives impressions from all those things that are contained in the Stomach; and accordingly, as those are pleasant or unpleasant, the fleshy coat that is above it, is ex∣cited to keep in, or throw out what is within; and as to these two last motions [of reteining or expelling] we either Purge or Vomit, according as the unproportionate object is more or less injurious to Nature. Moreover, in this coat of the Stomach there * 1.9 seems to be a kind of peculiar Sensory, or Organ of perception, either of Touching or Tasting, distinct from any other in the whole Body: For though some sorts of Me∣dicins or Food, as Stibium, Mercurius vitae, Flower of Antimony, and Barbels eggs, with many other things, when they are chewed in our mouths, do not offend the Sense at all, yet the same things when swallowed down into the Stomach, do violently irritate or provoke this coat, and in a short time cause very grievous contractions, or convul∣sions. So if any one even unawares swallows down a bit of meat that he hath an Antipathy against, though it be never so small, and covered with other meats, as it were with a Visor, yet the Stomach knows it, and turns it presently out, like an Enemy that had got in by stealth. The Provocatives to Vomiting that are taken in at the mouth, are either Medicins whose manner of working shall be demonstrated by and by; or they are Poisons, which produce that effect, in as much as they upon their first contact or touch, being of a very destructive Nature, astound the Spirits of the Stomach, and make them as it were mad. Or Thirdly Food, concerning which it is commonly known, that if they offend us either in their manifest or hidden qua∣lity, or in their quantity, or manner of being taken, they become unproportionate to the Stomach, and consequently very often cause Vomiting.

Secondly, The matter that causes Vomiting is sometimes generated in the Sto∣mach, * 1.10 that is; though there be no fault in the Food, when taken in, yet sometimes the chyle; or the fermenting juice of the Stomach, degenerates into an acid, sower, or bitter humour, or such as is otherwise irksom, and consequently provoking; as it very usually happens in cholerick and hypocondriacal persons.

Thirdly Nor is the provoking Humor less frequently sent into the Stomach from some * 1.11 other part: for besides that the Gall, and (as some think) the Pancreatick or Sweet-bread juice sometimes severally, sometimes together (whilst they mutually boyl and are dischar∣ged into the Stomach) excite the fibres to vomitive contractions; and that likewise other heterogeneous matter, which is brought hither by the Arteries, causes oftentimes ex∣traordinary Vomitings: so in the fits and crisis of Fevers, but especially in the Plague and Small Pox it very often happens. Sometimes the mass of Bloud when it swells so that it cannot expel or throw off its grosser part by perspiration, it carries it into the cavities or hollows of the Stomach and Guts by the branches of the Arteria Coeliaca; so

that the coats of those parts being mightily vellicated or twinged, undergo horrid Vo∣mitings, and even Dysenteries too at the same time. Nor doth the Vomitive matter seem to descend onely through the Arteries, but some times through the Nerves too. And from hence I have plainly shewn the Colick very often to arise: Yea in many * 1.12 People (that have been subject to Convulsions) I have observed, that after an Head∣ach, with drowziness and swimming in the Brain, they have been disposed to vomit: in so much that every day they would throw up all they had eaten without any signal uncleanness in their Stomachs. Now the matter being thus brought in by the Arte∣ries or Nerves upon the coat of the Stomach, if it be fluid and easily dispersed, is pre∣sently shook off again, and the Fit is soon over; but if it be more fixed, and sticks to them more stifly, or (as it some times will) grows into Tumours or Risings of several kinds, it causes a disposition to Vomit, which stays long by one, and is not easily cured.

So much for that kind of Vomiting, whose material or provoking cause, being plan∣ted somewhere about the inward surface of the Stomach, and affecting the nervous fibres with meer touching of them, doth excite the Spirits which reside in the fleshy fi∣bres, to violent explosions, or discharges, by way of Vomit. But there are other kinds * 1.13 of Vomitings, in which the first provocation is in other places, and the Stomach is im∣mediately moved to contract it self by consent. For since there is such an alliance and mutual dependence between this Entrail and many other parts, it often happens, that when any animal Spirits are any where very much disturbed, immediately other Spirits that are inhabitants in the Stomach, are likewise moved, either by the conti∣nuity or connection of the fibres and nerves, and so are put upon vomitive explosions, or violent discharges by way of Vomit.

The places of this sympathetical Vomiting, are either nearer; to wit, the two ori∣fices of the Stomach, with the Duodenum and the Weazon; or more remote, to wit, * 1.14 the Brain and the membranes thereof, as also the Spleen, Reins, Ureters, Mesente∣ry, Womb, and perhaps other Entrals in the lower Belly: in one or more of which, if a contractive motion be begun, and from thence communicated to the Stomach through the Nerves, it excites the fleshy fibres thereof to cause a Vomit. So likewise in the Head, when the animal Spirits are much disturbed, their disorder presently affects others that are in the Stomach, by consent, and raises them into the like tu∣mults. I will lay down instances of every one of these sorts, together with their causes.

First of all both the orifices or doors of the Stomach, since they are very sensible by reason of those manifold insertions of Nerves, are easily provoked; and conse∣quently, * 1.15 being drawn sometime inward, sometimes outward, and variously expanded [or widened] and shut, they cause expulsive motions, either upward or downward, in the whole Stomach. There is hardly any man but may feel in himself certain acid or bitter Humours floating in his Stomach, and that by biting the left orifice, they cause queaziness, or vomiting; and so doth the Gall too, when it rejounces into the Pylorus.

It would be too impertinent to tell you Helmonts Dreams concerning the dignity and dominion of these parts: where he makes the left orifice to be the Seat of the * 1.16 Soul: and the right, to wit, the Pylorus, that of the Appetite, as also the Shop o•…•… Workhouse from whence some other actions or passions purely natural have their ori∣ginal; and so likewise that from the indignation (as it were) and obstinate shutting up of this part, horrid vomitings proceed. Although I do not at all agree to what he says, yet the following Stories will shew you, that if these doors are too fast bolted on barred, it will occasion Vomiting, and other evil dispositions of the Stomach.

A young Gentleman that had been long out of order, was troubled first with fre∣quent * 1.17 Vomiting, and asterward every day for several moneths, in so much that it was almost continually upon him, till at length being quite spent with it, he died. I therefore opened the Body and found the Pylorus encompassed round about with very tender and sensible small bumps or swellings, that did almost shut its mouth quite up; in so much that the Chyle which was got into the little distances between the nodes or knots, did putrifie extremely, and the whole Entral in a manner was in very great pain, and troubled with a continual Spasm or Convulsion. So likewise it is very plain from that extraordinary case of an Oxford Man, that the shutting up of the left orifice * 1.18 causes in a manner continual vomiting. There was a very strong person, and a man that was otherwise sound enough, who had for a long time been troubled with fre∣quent vomiting, and used to bring up what he had eaten oftentimes, though not al∣ways, as soon as it was got into him: At last when all remedies had been tried and found of no use, the distemper came to such an heighth that he would eat very hun∣gryly,

till such time as his Weazon was top full up to his throat, and then presently throw all that he had swallowed up again crude and unconcocted as it went in, so that nothing at all went into his Stomach; now therefore since Medicins [Physick] did him no good, but that he was ready to faint for hunger, and in danger of dying every day, I got him an instrument, like a small rod, made of Whalebone, with a Button or Knob of Spunge fastened to the end of it: which instrument the distempered person putting into his throat and weazon immediately after he had eaten and drank, he opened the mouth of the Stomach and thrust the meat (which otherwise would have staid by the way) down into it; and thus did he sustain himself for 16 years, using the same Engine to this day, and being still alive and in health, though without that instrument he would certainly die for want of nourishment. Without question in this case the mouth of the Stomach being always shut, either by a Tumour or a Palsie, ad∣mits nothing into it, unless it be violently opened.

2. As often also doth a Spasm or Convulsion which is once begun, and by the con∣tinuity * 1.19 of the fibres promoted into the stomach, cause contractive motions to vomit, by reason of the provocatives that are hard by above this left orifice, and below the Pylorus. When the meat, as it goes down, sticks in the Weazon by reason of a Palsie, or some obstruction there, and consequently stimulates or pricks the nervous fibres, imme∣diately the fleshy ones, being drawn upward, make the stomach also consent in the motion. The like effect is often produced by the irritation or provoking of the pa∣late or uvula. And hence it is that meat or drink which is ungrateful, even as soon as it is in our mouths, or a F•…•…ther put down the throat, causes vomiting, or very often straining to vomit. For the same reason in a Pthisick, a violent fit of coughing is ac∣companied, or attended with vomiting: to wit, through the vellication [or plucking] or concussion of the same coat, that covers both the Weazon and the top of the Wind∣pipe too: So likewise in the lower appurtenances of the stomach, to wit, the Guts, if any pain and convulsion happens in those parts, it often causes vomiting through the continuity of the fibres by which it creeps into the stomach. For this reason in the cholerick Distemper, the Iliack Passion, or Twisting of the Guts, and other torments of the Bowels, people often vomit. And hence also some men that have Guts more tender than ordinary, do constantly vomit when they take a Clyster. It were easie to heap together upon this occasion many more instances of this kind, but let us pass to other causes of vomiting.

3. Besides these that I have just now cited (in which the provocation begins either in the Stomach it self or the appendages of it) it sometimes happens that the Stomach; though it be in it self sound enough, and free from any fault, suffers for the misde∣meanours of other parts a great way distant from it; which is not brought to pass by * 1.20 the continuity of the fibres, but by the intercourse or commerce of the nerves. For through them, when the animal Spirits in one place are disturbed, others that reside afar off, conceive the like disorder, and suffer convulsions: whence it is, that if a man receives any great wound or blow upon the Head, it often causes him to vomit, be∣cause * 1.21 the Spirits within the Brain, being disturbed, excite the others that inhabit the Stomach into the same commotion, by the commerce or intercourse of the eighth pair of Nerves: for the same reason some that go in a Boat or a Coach are apt to vomit ex∣tremely; of which the cense is not (as some say) an agitation or joging of the humours, but indeed the animal Spirits which are in the Brain, being forced into irregular mo∣tions, do throng into the mouths of the nerves, and through them cause contractive motions to vomit. In the mean time the matter that is thrown off by vomiting, is meer choler, which is drawn forth from the Vessels designed for the reception of it, by a Spasm or convulsion formerly caused in them; so far it is from being the primary or chief cause of vomiting. Moreover if at any time the sprouts and lower branches that grow out of the trunk of that same eighth pair, and are distributed into peculiar Entral•…•… of the Abdomen or lower Belly, are provoked to convulsions, other sprouts * 1.22 very often, though untouched, undergo such irregularities, and do also communicate convulsive motions to other Entrals, but especially to the Stomach. This is evident from that vomiting, which frequently happens in Fits of the Stone in the Kidneys, the Colick and Fits of the Mother.

Hitherto of Vomiting in general, together with its subject, nature, causes, and va∣rious productions; in which I have pla•…•…nly shewn that this effect is produced altoge∣ther by the Spirits, which in habiting the fleshy coat of the Stomach, are extraordina∣rily provoked and forced into convulsive explosions or discharges; but that those Spirits are for the most part and chiefly moved to such contractions by the painful im∣pression that is made upon the inner nervous coat. And yet farther, I have also shewn that those Spirits which cause vomiting are disturbed by the disorders of other

Spirits in some distant parts, which either by the continuity of the fibres, or the passa∣ges of the nerves communicate their troubles to the Stomach. These things therefore being thus premised, it remains in the next place (what I proposed to do in the second place) that I treat of Vomiting Medicins, and demonstrate how, and with what diffe∣rence they work upon the Stomach and other parts of the Body.

For the performing of this, it is obvious to conceive, that Vomits taken in at the mouth and received into the Stomach, do first irritate or provoke its inner coat, which * 1.23 is altogether nervous, and put it to some pain; then that by the instigation of this ner∣vous coat the fleshy one that is over it, is also affected or moved and excited to contract it self and throw out that troublesome matter which is within. But in the doing of this, there are some differences both in the modes of irritation, and ways of evacuation, the reasons of which do not easily appear.

For first, since purging Medicins, being swallowed into the Stomach, provoke the fleshy fibres thereof to expulsive contractions, whence comes it that some of •…•…hem should more frequently and rather incline to vomiting, and the rest onely to purging, and not indifferently to either?

Secondly, Among those things that commonly, and almost constantly cause vo∣miting, you may observe, that some of them produce that effect by a way of working that is very manifest; as when that we take is altogether ungrateful to us in Taste, Smell, or any other sensible quality; or that it offends in quantity; and likewise that there are other Medicins which are more properly and specifically reckoned Vo∣mits, whose Vomiting virtue or power, though altogether hidden from our senses, shews it self by effects which are produced in the Stomach. The solutions or rational accounts of all which do much contribute to the right understanding of Vomits, and the operation of them.

1. As to the first, All Medicins that you would have to work by Vomit rather than by Stool, ought to consist of such particles, as being irksom, or at least disagreeable to * 1.24 Nature, may likewise be of such a quality or quantity, that they cannot be either to∣tally overpowered by the stomach, or so long endured by it, till they may be by de∣grees wiped off from the fibres or hairy veil thereof, and carried out of the Pylorus with other juices by little and little. Now if those kind of particles do either vellicate or twinge the fibres of the stomach too violently, or stick to it too fast, or disturb and stretch it with their motion, immediately tke fleshy fibres are ready for an expulsion, and then by instinct of Nature they are the rather contracted in such a manner; as that they may throw off what is offensive with the greater force and the nearest way. How the fleshy fibres are moved in the business of Purging, I shall hereafter tell you in its due place.

As to the distinction of Vomits, and the several ways or reasons of their working, * 1.25 since they are commonly divided into two sorts, to wit, such as are more gentle, and those that are more strong; whereof the former carry their force, and power or vir∣tue in view (as it were) declaring their irritative or provoking quality by manifest signs; as when a Decoction of Hyssop or Carduus, an infusion of the roots of Squills, or Radish, dislolved Vitriol, warm Water or Water mingled with Honey (if you drink a great draught of it) and the like (which upon the first sight or taste move the sto∣mach) are given for Vomits: and when they are given, it oftentimes is necessary for them to be aided by the irritation of the palate and throat in order to their producing of a Vomit. Secondly, The stronger Vomits (which are more properly so called) are such Medicins, that if they are taken in a due quantity they move most People to Vomit; as for example, White Hellebore, Nux Vomica, Vitriol, with many Preparations of them and Mercury: which though they are useful, yea very necessary in Physick, yet in their nature and virtues, wherein their vomiting quality consists, they seem to differ * 1.26 very little from poison: wherefore if they are taken in a dose too great, they often are the death of the Patient. Now since it remains as the subject of our next en∣quiry to search how, and by what means these Medicins work upon the stomach and other parts of the Body, I shall in the first place lay down all the Phanomena or ap∣pearances which are worthy our observation in this kind of Medicins.

Vomits made of Stibium, and other stronger ones swallowed down into the sto∣mach, do not use presently (unless in those that have queazy stomachs before hand) * 1.27 to irritate or disturb it; but afterward, sometimes sooner and sometimes later, the Pa∣tients feel a kind of maukishness and disorder; then the stomach is contracted and ascends, its orifice opens, and the Weazon moves briskly upward toward the Throat, being attended immediately with vomiting; which when it is over, those Entrals sink down (as it were) and are a little at rest: yet in a short time after, the maukishness and disorder of the stomach, together with the ascent of that and the Throat return,

and are accompanied with Vomiting; and so now and then the straining and ceasing to vomit alternately succeed each other for several times together, till the force of the Medicins being quite spent, this operation ceases.

In the beginning of a Vomit, the stomach seems onely to be contracted upward, * 1.28 and not extraordinarily provoked. But after the convulsions of it are more strong and vehement, and diffuse themselves to a greater distance, in so much that the Duo∣denum, by an invested kind of contrary motion, directs all its controctions upward, and poureth all that is within it into the stomach, which makes the motion to vomit so much the stronger. Now if the irritation or provocation be still more augmented, not onely Spasms [i. e. contractions] distensions and swellings, and especially that more dangerous convulsion of the stomach, to wit, the Hickock succeed thereunto: but also for that the animal Spirits are disturbed throughout, and sometimes scattered or excited too much, there happen frequent Faintings, cold Sweats, and many times dead∣ly convulsions of the Limbs or the whole Body.

After the taking of a strong Vomit, when the stomach begins to vomit, first that * 1.29 is thrown out that floats in the cavity thereof; then whatsoever viscous or clammy flegm, that sticks to the hairs, or is laid up in the folds of it: if the vellication or twinging continues, there are serous humours squeezed out at the mouths of the small Arteries and Nerves; then when the contraction is communicated to the Duo∣denum and the passages of it, the Gall and Pancreatick juice, being forced out of their channels and poured into the stomach, are there discharged: from whence it comes to pass, that cholerick humours are oftentimes last cast forth, and then very frequently men vomit meer Gall, and that in great plenty: which if it so happen, every time any thing is thrown out, there is a griping a little below the stomaoh on the right side, that creeps upward; which, no doubt, proceeds from the Gall that is expelled into the Duodenum, and from thence through the convulsive and invested motion of that Gut, poured into the Pylorus. If the irritation doth not yet cease, the Arteries (whose mouths are exceedingly provoked) send out humours from the whole mass of Bloud to be evacuated by vomiting.

From this account of Vomiting, you may guess how and which way a vomitive * 1.30 Medicin works in the Stomach, to wit, when it is swallowed into the stomach, and hath mingled it self with the humour therein contained, impressing a tincture of it self is gradually received by the hairy veil which covers the inward surface of the stomach, and then the nervous fibres that make up the inner coat, and sustain or uphold this veil, do by degrees imbibe or drink in that virulent tincture; wherewith when they are in some measure sated, by reason of the disagreeableness of its juice, they be∣gin to be wrinkled and much disturbed: whereupon the fleshy fibres that lie over them, being provoked by that pain which the nervous ones suffer, suffer at first some light convulsions in several parts here and there (from whence proceeds maukishness and disorder of the stomach) but soon after the spirits that reside in all of them which belong to the two inward ranks are excessively disquieted, and being at the same time exploded or discharged (as it were) cause very strong contractive motions to vo∣mit, to the end that they may throw off by Vomit all that is troublesom to the nervous fibres: And when by this means those fibres are freed from that Medicinal juice which * 1.31 they had drank in, the inclination •…•…o vomit ceases for some small time, till the fibres being again moistened with a fresh supply of the same virulent tincture, which they quickly suck out of the hairy veil, are urged and forced to the same trouble and put upon a motion to vomit. And so for some several times the violent inclination to vomit comes upon a man, till such time as the matter of that venomous tincture be wiped clean away even from the hairy veil, and all at length thrown out, so as that the nervous fibres of the inner coat may never after imbibe or drink in the poison of it.

But it doth not therefore happen always that people cease to vomit, but though the * 1.32 Medicin be quite and clean thrown off, and no contagion of it left behind, yet often∣times those Spirits in the stomach, being much provoked, do very difficultly lay aside their fury; in so much that may be irritated by any other juice (which the nervous fibres have imbibed) and moved to vomitive contractions, which they now and then do se∣veral times repeat: wherefore at that time if you would have your vomiting cease, take no drink either for food, or as a cordial into your stomach, but onely keep your self warm without, and go to sleep.

Moreover, Sometimes other Humours pressed out of the vessels, and especially the * 1.33 Gall, poured forth from the vessel that is prepared for the receiving of it, into the sto∣mach, do not onely add strength to the vomit; but when its operation is over, persist or continue to provoke the stomach still on, and move it to expulsive contractions:

yea, the nervous fibres thereof imbibing that yellow, nauseous humour, which is as provocative as the vomitive tincture it self, cause convulsions, and beyond the force of the Medicin, prolong the frequent inclinations to vomit in order to exclude that trou∣blesom matter. For this reason, when the Gall overflows, seeing it is easily brought into the stomach, oftentimes excessive vomiting is caused by a gentler kind of Medi∣cin, and is attended by horrid symptoms: for the allaying whereof, sometimes it is proper to give a Lenitive, or easie Clyster, to draw the swelling Gall toward the lower parts.

But whereas sometimes when a man takes a Vomit, the effect follows so imme∣diately, * 1.34 that is to say, when a Medicin reaches the bottom of the stomach, but doth not enter deep into the fibres of it; the reason is, either because the hairy veil being partly wiped off (as in Gluttons and Drunkards it usually happens) the nervous fibres being made bare, are soon and easily provoked; or, because the Fansie loathing Phy∣sick, had made the Party qualmish before-hand: Or lastly, because the stomach being oppressed with a putrid conflux of excrementitious matter, was formerly of it self dispo∣sed to vomit. As to the nervous fibres, which by drinking in the vomitive tincture, have a sense of that disturbance, whereby the fleshy fibres are irritated or provoked into convulsive motions, they are the very same, that being very empty cause hunger; and being very dry thirst; so likewise when they are filled with a grateful kind of juice which comes out of the food, they beget a compl•…•…cence in the stomach, and refresh the whole Body besides.

Since Vo•…•…its use to be administred either in a liquid or a solid form, it will be easie to understand how the former enter into the nervous fibres of the stomach, and fill * 1.35 them so as to provoke or irritate them; but of the latter some Physicians do justly doubt, how a little Dust or Powder, as of Stibium, or Flower of Antimony, given in the weight of three or four grains, should make such a strong Vomit, seeing that it looks very improbable that those fibres should in any measure be impregnated (at least not enough to cause a Vomit) by so small a Medicin, which would not easily get into them. To this we must answer, that such a Medicin given in a dry substance, is presently dissolved and imparts its virtue to moisture enough in the stomach; in so much that if you make an Infusion of Crocus Metallorum, the fibres of the stomach drink in the dissolved particles of Antimonial Sulphur, and are thereby provoked to vomitive con∣tractions or convulsions.

As to what fome affirm, to wit, That a Vomit, be it given in a Dose never so great, works no stronger than if it were taken in a small quantity, is altogether false, and a * 1.36 thing not to be experimented without a great deal of danger; for if there be several small parts of the Medicin at hand, they will impregnate a proportionate number of fibres, and enter deep into them, so as to provoke them very much: and consequently very great and frequent convulsions must of necessity follow.

As to the vulgar Opinion, That Vomits raise and expel the Humours upwards by a certain specifick propriety, I think it very frivolous; for what kind of virtue that is, no * 1.37 man can tell, or so much as prove that there is such a thing in nature. In the mean while it is enough, for the understanding the reason of Vomits, to conceive, that the small parts of the Medicin, being very repugnant to Nature, are imbibed or drunk in by the nervous fibres of the inner coat of the stomach, and create a great commotion in them; and then, for the expelling of that juice quickly, and a nearer way upward, that the fleshy fibres of the other coat are irritated and provoked into emetick or vo∣miting convulsions. But what is urged by some, to wit, that white Hellebore applied to the Navel, and the Infusion of Crocus Metallorum given in the form of a Clyster is a Vomit, I have found by frequent Experiments to be utterly untrue: Though i•…•… sometimes it so happens, why may not a violent irritation or disturbance made in the Guts, cause convulsions and inverted contractions, and so secondarily and by consent of the parts, produce vomitings in the stomach? (as well as when the same thing very often •…•…alls out in the Colick and I•…•…iack passion or twisting of the G•…•…s) I for∣merly caused Wine, that was impregnated with the Infusion of Stibi•…•… to be injected into the jugular vein of a strong Dog, to the quantity of six ounces, and after five or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 minutes h•…•… began to stagger, and tott•…•…r as he went, and then to vomit excesfively. Yet I believe that this effect was wrought by the Medicins working upon the Brain rather than the Stomach; fince the like vomiting ensueth from ano•…•…ting or bathing the head with the juice or decoction of Tobacco.

Nor do I think but that their opinion, who say fome Vomits work upon the Gall, * 1.38 others upon the Phlegm, and others upon Melancholick matter, (bringing sorth this or that Humour distinct from all others, and as it were, pure) is far from truth, and stands upon a very trifling foundation. But in the choice of Vomits, the chief diffe∣rence,

to be observed, is, that in some cases you must give the milder Medicins, which may make no disturbance farther than the stomach, but may gently bring forth those things onely that float in the hollow of it, or stick to the coats thereof: though in other cases, the stronger are more convenient, that by creating a convulsion in the other Entrals too, all Excrements that lie in them, or are any where gathered toge∣ther, may be removed from their station, and thrown out either upward or down∣ward. But whereas sometimes a slimy, and as it were, phlegmatick matter is chiefly expelled, the reason is, because the load of the stomach is almost onely purged away, without stirring of the receptacles of the cholerick humours; yet when those vessels which received the choler are drained, the Excrement is, for the most part cholerick: The expulsion of a black humour depends most commonly upon the tincture of the Medicin; for Compositions of Vitriol dye the excrement black.

As evacuation by Vomit is more violent than by Stool, so if it be consistent with * 1.39 the strength of the Patient, it doth more good in some cafes than ten Purges: for by this means the ponderous phlegm that sticks in the folds of the stomach, and which all other cleansers would slip by, is cleared away as with a Besom; and so likewise the adjacent parts, as the Pancreas or Sweetbread, the Mesentery, the Spleen and Liver it self are violently concussed or shockt, in so much that all obstructions in them, to∣gether with all stagnations or setlings of the Bloud and Humours whatsoever are ve∣ry easily removed by this kind of Medicin. All strange Ferments, wherever genera∣ted in the Body, and also the deeper seminaries of diseases, are seldom rooted out without administring of Vomits; but especially in the distempers of the Brain and Nerves the use of Vomits is found to be very advantagious. For by this kind of Phy∣sick not onely the filth of the Stomach and Bowels, which vitiates the Chyle and Bloud, is more plentifully cleared away; but also the glandules, which are the emunctories or Dreins of the Bloud and nervous juice, and seated in the Bowels, are cleansed; the choler vessels and other receptacles of Excrements more copiously evacuated, so that they being emptied by this means, do more readily receive the Serum or Whey of the Bloud, with other rejected or superfluous parts of both Humours, which otherwise would settle in the head: and be•…•…ides all this, seeing there are an innumerable company of Arteries mouths that open under the hairy veil into the stomach; these when they are vellicated or twinged to any purpose by a Vomit, pour forth all the ill, malignant hu∣mors that arein the bloud, in order to their being thrown out thereby way of Vomit. And for this reason chiefly it is, that great Distempers are best cured by Vomits, and scarcely without them. For those Medicins being of a strong and active nature, do not onely ex∣pel the superfluous humours out of the Mass of Bloud by twinging the Arteries, but by getting into the passages of the veins, which are there without number, they make the Bloud float, and cause the serous part of it, with other less noble Humours to sink and separate themselves. But in the mean time Vomiting Physick is not to be used by * 1.40 all People without any distinction. For in some the tone of the stomach is too loose and weak, and their constitution so tender, that their Spirits presently faint with vo∣miting, and their strength is enfeebled; some also have their Bowels endned with ex∣traordinary retention of such sensible impressions as are made upon them; and though they are long before they can be made to vomit, yet their vomiting, when once be∣gun, is not easily stopped; yea, through their frequent straining to vomit, they are ex∣posed to great lofs of strength and oftentimes fwoonings too.

Wherefore, rightly to administer a Vomit, we must consider what shews when it is proper, what permits it, and what forbids it. Now Vomits seem to be proper, when * 1.41 the cholerick and bitterish Humour floats in the stomach, so as to cause a qualmishness, ill taste, or headach; so likewise if the stomach be oppressed with clammy Phlegm, as in the Green Sickness, and in men after hard drinking and gormandizing. In ma∣ny cases, where besides shortness of Breath, the stomach being clogged, is troubled with want of Appetite or maukishness; Vomiting is useful. Moreover when the sto∣mach is beset with any strange ferment, fo as to reject all that comes into it, even for the fake of remote parts, Voniting 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is ufed with good success: for by this means the c•…•…ler vessels are mightly emptied, and so the Choler being the more plen∣tifully purged out of the Bloud, the feverish indispositions thereof are removed. And then again, in respect that the superfluities or stagnations of the nervous Humour are most easily cured by such evacuations as these, the use of Vomits contributes very much toward a cure in the Gout, Asthma, Epilepsie, Madness, and many other distempers that are accounted great and herculean Diseases. 2. This remedy may be permitted * 1.42 to be used, if the Bowels are strong, and the Constitution of the Body firm, and espe∣cially in such persons as having shorter necks and brests than ordinary, have their sto∣mach and mouth nearer one another; and to this also doth relate facility, or easiness

to vomit, loosness of the matter which is to be purged out with a ready faculty of se∣parating of it, as also a sedateness of Nature, and as it were, leisure to apply her self to this work. 3. Those things that forbid Vomiting, are difficulty to vomit, or an indisposedness to it found by former experience, a tender and soft constitution of * 1.43 body, a slim tall stature, and weak Bowels, but especially if a man be inclined to a Consumption, with an ulcer in the Lungs, or spitting of Bloud: so likewise a great and general indisposition, in which it is dangerous, lest the Humours should be prefsed tumultuouslv out of the whole Body into the Stomach: so also an unusual boyling up of the Bloud, fits of Fevers, and expectation of a Crisis [or time when to make a judgment of the Distemper] do totally exclude this kind of Physick.

The Medicins called Vomits, are usually distinguished according to their opera∣tions, into gentle ones, middling ones, and strong ones. As to the matter of which they are made, that is some parts of Minerals, Vegetables, or Animals; and they are either ungrateful to the taste and palat, as Vitriol, Tobacco, Briony-root, &c. or they taste well enough, as the Mezerean Fruit, the Nux Indica, the Eggs of a Fish called a Mullet or Barbel; or lastly, they are almost insipid, and without any taste at all, as Flower of Antimony, Crocus Metallorum, Mercurius Vitae, &c.

CHAP. II. Receipts for Vomits, together with a rational account of some of them, as to their Preparations and Chymical Resolutions.

TAke of Oxymel of Squils ℥i. ss. of Wine of Squils ℥ij. mingle them, and make a Vomit.

Take of the Leaves of Asarum or Wild Spikenard fresh gathered from 6 to 9, and when you have bruised them, pour to them ℥iij. of White Wine; then strain it and take it according to order.

Take of the Powder of the Root of Wild Spikenard ʒj. to ℈ iiij. of Oxymel of Squils ℥j. ss. mingle them and take it in a draught of Posfet-drink.

Take of the Salt of Vitriol ℈j. to ℈ij. or ʒj. and drink it in a draught of Posset-drink.

Take of the Infusion of Crocus Metallorum ℥ss. to ℥j. or ℥j. ss. and drink it in a draught of Posset-drink, according to order.

Take of the Infusion of Crocus Metallorum ʒ vj. of Wine of Squils ℥j. ss. of the Syrup of plain Sorrel ℥ss. mingle them and make a Vomit.

Take of the Sulphur of Antimony gr. vj. to viij. of cream of Tartar ℈j. mingle them and let it be given in the pulp of an Apple, or a Stewed Prune, or in a Spoonful of Panade.

Take of Mercurius Vitae gr. iij. to vj. and take it the same way. Take also Flowers of Antimony, Aurum Vitae, or Praecipitatum Solare, and mineral Turbith, after the same manner.

Those Chymical Vomits that are of chief note, are usually made first out of Vitriol, secondly out of Antimony, and thirdly out of Mercury.

Salt of Vitriol.

Salt of Vitriol is prescribed several ways, to wit, out of Colcothar prepared in a Lie, * 1.44 out of Blew Vitriol, calcined (according to Angelus Sala) and out of white Vitriol pu∣rified by frequent solutions and coagulations; which Medicin is commonly called Theophrastus's Gilla, and is the safest of all others, as well as easiest to be had; but yet * 1.45 the two former Medicins are extraordinarily styptick or astringent, and for as much as they have endured the fire, somewhat corroding; but the latter being gentle and kind enough, doth amicably pluck together the fibres of the Stomach and makes them somewhat wrinkled; in so much that they at last (to excuss or shake off what is trou∣blesom to them) betake themselves to contractions, and strain to vomit: but that is soon over, and the disturbance of the Stomach is presently appeased.

Salt of Vitriol is therefore of more esteem and value, because it seldom works be∣yond the Stomach, nor doth it as Stibiates do, cause Convulsions in the Bowels, disor∣ders * 1.46 in the Bloud, or fainting of the Spirits; yet it is said to have this fault, that it ope∣rates slowly, and sometimes hardly at all; and therefore after any one hath taken

Vitriol, and drank a deal of Posset-drink, they are often fain to provoke themselves to vomit, by thrusting a Fether down their throat, or drinking Carduus Posset, or Oxy∣mel of Squils.

2. Crude Antimony, whilest the mixture is entire, works neither by Vomit nor by * 1.47 Stool; of which the reason is, because the Sulphureous and saline particles, from which the Vomiting quality proceeds, being bound up in it, and stifled, as it were, by the rest, cannot exert their force; but when this mixture is dissolved by preparation, and somewhat loosened, those particles are made free enough and ready for action. Now if it be questioned, whether the vomiting quality depends upon the sulphureous or the * 1.48 saline particles? My opinion is, that it proceeds from neither of them apart, but from both of them together: because when the former are given distinct from the latter, as in the tincture of Antimony; or the latter from the former, as in the ceruss of it, it never provokes Vomiting. I have elsewhere observed that particles meerly sulphu∣reous or saline, scarce move the Taste or Smelling, but that both of them together do very strongly affect those senses: and so I suppose it to be in the peculiar sense of the Stomach, that is to say, that that Sense receives its pleasure or disturbance from sul∣phureous and saline particles mixt together; as also, that all Cordials and Vomits consist of such Compositions which are either grateful or ungrateful. Stibium (that it * 1.49 may become an active Medicin) is usually prepared either by it self (as the Glass or Flowers of Antimony are made) or with Salts, that is, either with nitrous Salt, as the Crocus of it, or with fixt Salt, as the Sulphur of it; or with acid Salt, at the Butter of it, and Mercurius Vitae, which is made of it. There are many other vomiting prepa∣rations of Stibium, but those aforesaid are of greatest note, or most frequently used. Now for the right preparation of those and all other Medicins, you must first take special care to chuse your Antimony pure and unmixed with Lead. In this affair, be∣sides the brightness of it, and the elegancy of its Striae or Streaks; the surest way to try it, is by calcining a bit of the parcel you would buy, with an equal quantity of Ni∣tre, and it is a sign of its goodness if it all turns into an Hepar [of a Liver colour] and to dross; for otherwise a part of it sometimes melts into pure Lead. By this means I once drew out of one pound of Antimony ℥ij. of Lead.

1. Glass of Antimony.

Take of the Dust of choice Antimony q. s. and let it be calcined in an earthen vessel, keeping * 1.50 it still in motion till it leaves smoaking, and gains an ash colour; then taking it out, melt it in a Crucible, and pour it upon a Table, or into a Basin; when it grows cold, it will turn to a transparent purple Glass. The Dose of the Dust hereof is from iv. to vj. gr. and the Dose of the Infusion of it in Wine from ʒ vj. to x. works very strongly.

The reason of the aforesaid preparation is (I conceive) this. The Antimony whilest * 1.51 it is calcining is long kept in motion, to the end that whilest the sulphureous particles do plentifully evaporate, the saline ones, which are apt to vitrifie, or turn to Glass, may be gathered into a closer consistence; and afterward, when the Mass is melted by a fierce fire, these saline parts, getting hold of the earthy ones too which are atte∣nuated, grow easily together into a Glass; which also by reason of some sulphureous particles that are yet left in it waxes red, and is a Vomit. Now that Stibium when robbed of its Sulphur, either in great part or totally, turns into Glass, is very evident from this instance; to wit, in as much as the Calx or Caput mortuum which is left from the Distillation of the Butter of Antimony, melts into Glass, which yet is white and hath no vomiting quality, for as much as all the sulphureous particles ascended and left the Mass quite destitute of them.

2. Flower of Antimony.

Take a quantity of choice Antimony, that is pulverized, and sublime it in Cucurbita with * 1.52 an Alembick, or in Earthen Vessels made on purpose, upon a moderate Fire, either by it self, or with Sand or Dust of Bricks, or calcined Tartar mixed among it: the Flower rise yellow, Citron coloured and white; of which gather up the whitest and keep them for your use.

In this Preparation of Antimony the salt and sulphureous parts, having separated * 1.53 themselves from the watery and earthy ones, arise and knit together; by which means when the Mineral Body is much loosened and dissolved, and the most active parts

(the duller, that rebate their force, being laid aside) are joined into one Body, this be∣comes an excessive strong Vomit and not very safe to take. The Dose is gr. ij. iij. or iv.

3. Crocus Metallorum.

Take of choice Antimony and the purest Nitre of each ℥ iv. pounded severally, and well mixt, put them into a braz•…•…n Mortar, and with a live coal set them on fire; they will * 1.54 flame and make a great noise; then let the remaining mass which will be reddish (and called from the colour of it Hepar or Liver of Antimony) be separated from the dross (that lies round about it, partly black and partly white) and keep it for your use: The Hepar is given in the substance to gr. iij. iv. or v. the Wine of its infu•…•…on from ℥ ss. to ℥ j. or ℥ j. ss. This works kindly enough, and is the most usual Vomit.

The reason of this procedure is, because it hath Nitre pounded and mixt with Anti∣mony * 1.55 and common Sulphur: for both mixtures are very easily fired, in as much as both particles, to wit, the nitrous and sulphureous too, that were requisite to any de∣gree of kindling were copiously and intimately conjoined. By this deflagration or burning of it, the Mineral Body is sufficiently opened, and the particles thereof are loosened from each other, and though some part of the Sulphur flew away, yet there is enough left to make it of a Saffron colour, and produce an emetick or vomiting qua∣lity, by being joined with the Salt. In this preparation, if by mixing too great a pro∣portion of Nitre the Antimony be•…•…calcined above the usual rate, the Mass that is left after the burning of it, being now impregnated with less Sulphur, becomes not red, but yellow, or of a Ci•…•…ron colour, and less apt to make you vomit.

4. Sulphur of Antimony.

Take Salt of Tartar, or Wormwood, ℥ viij. and having put it into a Crucible, let it melt * 1.56 in Anemius's Furnace, then throw in by spoonfuls of crude Antimony powdered ℥ vj. let it flow or melt a quarter of an hour, then pour it out into a Silver or a Brazen vessel, and let the Mass being of a Saffron colour be sweetned with frequent ablutions or wash∣ings. The Dose is gr. v. to x. which works more gently and kindly than any other Pre∣paration of Antimony.

In this Preparation the fixt Salt, being melted by the Fire, opens the body of the * 1.57 Antimony, which is compounded chiefly of Sulphur and acid Salt; for whilest the Salts are so conjoined, the sulphureous particles become more loose, less sharp than the saline parts; and therefore though it be extraordinary red, yet it doth not much, nor very violently provoke the Stomach. Moreover by reason that the Sulphur is more loosened, and the Salt grown freer, the Dust of it easily gives a tincture to Spirit of Wine; which being altogether destitute of saline particles, and consequently depri∣ved of its vomitive quality, becomes a great strengthener of Nature.

Now that Antimony and common Sulphur, like, it may be, many other things of * 1.58 the same kind, consist of an acid Salt and Sulphur joined together, is easily proved by many Experiments: For besides that such Compositions are very easily dissolved by fixt Salt; so likewise if at any time they are separated by a sulphureous menstruum, as Oil of Turpentine, Juniper, or Flax, the sulphureous particles are drunk in by the Dissolver, and the saline ones being left grow easily into Chrystals, which being di∣stilled turn into an acid stagma or distilled liquor. This evidently appears in the Prepa∣ration of Balsom of Sulphur. But if the acid stagma, to wit, Aqua fortis, or Aqua Re∣gia, be poured into powdered Antimony, and the Distillation be over a fierce fire, there will a great deal of Citron coloured Sulphur arise, which is not to be distinguished from the common sort: which is a plain argument, that common Sulphur consists chiefly of sulphureous particles joined with an acid Salt. Out of Sulphur of Anti∣mony, prepared as is formerly described, I make a liquor like Oil, which being the purest Sulphur of Antimony, will gild Silver at the first touch, and is of excellent use in Physick.

5. Mercurius Vitae.

Take of choice Antimony and Mercury sublimate, of each ℥ vj. which when you have poun∣ded and well mixt together, distil them in a Glassen Retort by the heat of Sand; there will arise a gummy liquor like Ice, and very corrosive, which sticking to the neck of

the Retort, if you put a live coal to it, will melt and fall down into the Receiver. This Liquor being purified by rectification, will, if you pour Fountain water upon it, sink into an extraordinary white Dust; whilest the watery part in the mean time gains an acid taste like Spirit of Vitriol; and that Dust being sweetned and dried, is commonly called Mercurius Vitae, but falsly; because it hath nothing at all of Mercury in it, and except it be warily administred, is oftener the occasion of death than a preserver of life, [as the name seems to intimate.] The Dose is from gr. iij. to vj.

In this Operation the acid Spirits of Vitriol and Nitre, being beforehand incorpora∣ted * 1.59 with the Mercury whilest it is a subliming [or forced upward by the heat of fire] when they are again loosened by the fire, forsake that their first entertainment, and embrace the more hospitable particles of Antimony, and being elevated with them by the force of the heat, grow together into a substance like Ice; which consists of the whole Sulphur of the Antimony together with a quantity of its Salt, as also the acid stagma, or distillation of Nitre and Vitriol; and by reason of the salt particles it grows hard like Ice, as it on the other hand melts upon the fire by reason of the sul∣phureous particles. This matter by pouring Water upon it, is precipitated into a white Powder; such as consists onely of Stibiate particles, much like the Flower of Antimony, whilest in the mean time the acid Salts being dissolved in a menstruum, or dissolving Liquor make it become sharp like spirit of Vitriol. But that this Powder hath nothing of Mercury, is evident ftom this, that being bereft of the congealing Salts, it resumes its former nature of Quicksilver, and is all gathered together in a Retort. Indeed those Salts are easily drawn away from the Mercury, and do of their own accord desert it, whenever they find any more amicable body: and hence it is, that if you boil it, after it is sublimed, with plates of Iron, in common Water, the Salts will presently embrace the Iron, and the Mercury will recover it self again. This * 1.60 Powder is too strong a Vomit, but if you pound it with Sea Salt, and by frequent washings take away its sweetness, it becomes much gentler, and safe enough; in as much as the saline sharp particles of the Medicin are rebated and tamed by Salts of another nature. Moreover if it be put into Nitre, melted in a Crucible, when the sulphureous particles are totally taken away, it quite loses its vomiting quality, and be∣comes mere Antimony that will make you Sweat.

So much of Antimonial Vomits, the Particles whereof being dissolved in the Sto∣mach, * 1.61 make a sulphureous-faline tincture, which the fibres of the Stomach imbibing or drinking, are thereby so vellicated or twinged, that the Convulsion which is there∣in caused, being propagated every way into the whole cavity of it, as also into the Bowels near adjacent, as the Duodenum, the passage of the Gall and Sweet-bread, forces out all that is within them, and pours them into the Stomach, causing the Ar∣teries also to discharge their serous or wheyish Humours; so that violent Vomitings, and such as long disturb us, follow thereupon. But it is probable, that some small part also of this vomitive tincture is received by the Veins, and being carried into the mass of Bloud, by reason that it meets, and struggles, and joins with the Salt, creates preci∣pitations and expulsions of a certain kind of matter: and this is the reason that Di∣stempers of the remote parts, as all cutaneous Diseases, Leprosies and Gouts are some∣times cured by Stibiate Medicins.

But Mercurial Medicins (of which we shall now in the next place treat) do this * 1.62 much more effectually; for that they do not onely provoke twingings and vomitive expulsions in the Stomach, but cause like, by their more active particles, that are communicated to the Bloud, many kinds of fluxes and dissolutions, precipitations, and separations of the Serium or Whey and other Humours; from whence proceed, besides Vomiting and Purging, discharges by Urine, Sweat, and sometimes spitting: which is the reason that in old Distempers, which are not easily cured, People have recourse to this Medicin as their last refuge.

Mercury or Quicksilver, if it be taken plain and by it self, doth not vomit or purge * 1.63 any more than Antimony, or cause any other considerable disturbance in mans body. But if the mixture of it be dissolved, and its active particles being let loose, it be redu∣ced to a Powder, it becomes a most operative and forcible purging Medicin. Now though there are many ways of fixing this giddy, fugitive Prote•…•…s, and preparing it for * 1.64 Physical uses, yet these are the two chiefest, to wit, either by subliming [or forcing it upward] or precipitating [that is, making it sink.] Preparations of it in the former way are not properly reckoned among Vomits, but most of the latter kind ought to be reduced to this Head. But it will be enough for us to give you a short account in this place of some few thereof that are of greatest note. We therefore observe that Mercury is precipitated either by it self, or with Metals onely, or with Salts onely, or with Metals and Salts together.

1. Mercury precipitated by it self.

Take of the best purified Mercury ℥iij. and put it into a Glass made on purpose (which be∣ing * 1.65 somewhat like an Hour-glass, consists of a double bottom running out in the shape of a Top; but is broad and plain in both, as in the middle narrow, and both a Nozel with a very streight orifice, reaching from one bottom into the belly of it) and place this Vessel in an Oven of Sand at equal poize upon a fire that must at first be slow, though afterward quicker, till part of the Mercury turns to an ash-coloured Powder, and the other part being raised into the upper bottom, sticks there like Quicksilver; then turning the Vessel upside down, put the upper bottom into the Sand, and so turn the Glass for se∣veral times till all the Mercury turns to Powder, which, having broken the Glass, you must gather together, and wash in fair water. The Dose is gr. iv. to v. or vj. It al∣most ever causes vomiting, and doth not work at all by spitting.

The reason of this procedure seems to be, in that the emanation or streaming forth of a continual fire, first loosens the body of the Mercury, by degrees dissolves the par∣ticles * 1.66 thereof, and at last separates them from each other, so that they mutually part, and being broken as it were into small crums, remain distinct; from whence it hap∣pens, that the most active parts, to wit, the saline chiefly, and the sulphureous ones, being set at liberty, cause great commotions in a Mans Body by vellicating the fibres and boiling up with the Salts: but yet this Precipitate works less upon the Salts which are in the bloud, than Mercury praecipitated with Salts onely; because this latter very easily causes spitting, which the former doth not at all. As Mercury, so also some other Mineral Bodies, as Lead, Tin, Antimony, and Iron, are usually calcined into a Powder or a Crocus by the constant heat of fire.

2. Solar or Golden Mercury Precipitate.

Take of Gold purged with Antimony, and subtlely filed ℥ j. of purified Quicksilver, or that which is drawn from Cinnabar and Sublimate ℥ viij. and make an Amalgama [or Paste] in a Crucible, by throwing the Gold when red hot into the Mercury actually hot; Let this when it is well washed with Salt and Vinegar, and strained through a linen cloth, be digested in Sand with such a Glass and after the like manner as the Mercury preci∣pitated by it self was, till it be reduced to a red Powder; and let it be sweetned mith cordial Waters. The Dose is gr. iij. to vj. and works most commonly by Vomit onely, nor doth it cause a spitting, as saline Precipitates do. So likewise may the Lunar Preci∣pitate, or the Jovial, be prepared.

The reason of this procedure is the same with the former, to wit, that the particles of fire, like so many pestils, pound the Mineral body into small parts, and for a time * 1.67 do so break them, that they will not easily stick together, and unite. Moreover this Analgama [or Paste] by reason that the Bodies of the Mercury and Gold are before∣hand loosened from each other, will turn to a Precipitate much sooner than Mercury by it self.

3. Common Precipitate Mercury.

Take of pure Mercury ℥ij. of Aq. fortis ℥ iv. and having dissolved it, put it into an earthen glazed Vessel, wherein let it evaporate first over a gentle fire till the moisture he all spent; * 1.68 then increase the fire, and let it calcine even till the Vessel be red hot, still stirring i•…•… with an Iron Instrument till it gain a ruddy colour: Let the matter when taken out and powdered, be first sweetned with frequent washings in sweet water, and after that again kindle Spirit of Wine, and pour upon it, and so keep it for your use. The Dose is gr. iij. to v. or vj. It works violently enough by Vomit, and causeth spitting more certainly than any other Pr•…•…cipitate of Mercury.

If you enquire into the reason of this Chymical attempt, I say, that the Mercury is dissolved by the Aqua fortis, in as much as the saline particles of the Menstruum [or * 1.69 Dissolver] meeting with the Salts of the Metal, do presently snatch such Salts to them, and consequently, when by the dissolution of the mixture all the other particles are set at liberty, and expanded every where lie lurking in the pores of the menstruum; but afterward when the moisture is consumed, the saline particles that are left, and expo∣sed to view, do quite take off the force of the Mercurial ones within them, which

are mixt in every part. Now the reason why Mercury being precipitated on this fashion with Aqua fortis, or Aqua Regia, grows red, and of another colour than when it is prepared with Oil of Sulphur or Spirit of Vitriol, is partly from the Nitre that always gives it a Flame colour (for Nitre is an ingredient of the former menstruum, * 1.70 though not of these later) and partly from the Mercury it self, whose particles when it is dissolved, so long as they are free and not hid in others, are of their own nature red, as you may see in Mercury precipitated by it self, and in the dissolving of it in Oil of Tartar, wherein it leaves a ruddy, that is, a Mercurial Powder.

This Medicin consisting of Salts that are very corrosive, as well as Mercurial par∣ticles * 1.71 that are dissolved, in as much as it extreamly provokes the fibres of the Stomach, causes most violent Vomiting, so that it is rarely given alone for this end. But if at any time it be taken, and having passed the Stomach and those first passages, it be carried into the bloud; in as much as the native Salts thereof are thereby very much fermented, and with them the Mercurial particles being plentifully infused, and throughly mingled, are so entangled, that they can be discharged again no way better than by the Ductus Salivales, or Spittle-passages (as I have elsewhere shewn) for that reason this Medicin causeth spitting in many People before any other.

4. Turbith Mineral.

Take of Quicksilver purified, of Oil of Vitriol (or Sulphur prepared in the Bell) purged from the flegm, of each an equal proportion; put them into a Glassen Retort, and distill them, increasing their fire by degrees, till all the moisture be consumed, and there remain in the bottom a white mass, which, if you pour clear water upon it, immediately grows yellow. This when it is unsweetned (by frequent washing and burning of Spirit of Wine) and dried, may be given from gr. iv. to vj. or vij. It works by Vomit somewhat more gently than the common Precipitate, and sometimes also causes spitting.

The reason of this Preparation, as to the Precipitation of the Mercury, is the same * 1.72 as that of the former; but the remaining calx, or earthy part, is not red like the for∣mer, partly because there is no Nitre in it, and partly because the Mercury being less subdued, will not endure so strong a calcination, as that the Salts being for the most part scattered or carried off, it may shew its own, to wit, a scarlet colour; for if to the end it be forced by a violent fire, it will fly quite away; and therefore from the Salts that stick to the particles of the Mercury and hide them, there proceeds a whitish co∣lour; which being afterward something taken away, there succeeds a yellowness. Moreover, in as much as the Mercurial particles are not so strictly conjoined with the Salts, and consequently are not brought into the bloud by them in so great a quantity, spitting is not so readily and certainly the effect of this Me∣dicin.

This Medicin may be prepared after a compendious manner, and not less effe∣ctually thus:

Take of refined Quicksilver, of Oil of Vitriol or Sulphur, of each ℥ ij. put them into Crucible, and first let all the moisture evaporate over a slow fire; then make the fire stronger to the end that the calcined matter may be the better fixed.

5. Aurum Vitae.

Take of purified Mercury ℥ v. of Solis very well purged ℥ ss. let them be severally dissol∣ved in their proper menstruums [or liquor to dissolve them] let the dissolved matter of both kinds be put together, and by distillation in a Retort, let all the moisture be drawn forth; let the remaining calx be calcined upon a Plate of Iron red hot, that the Salts most of them may be carried off, and let the remaining matter be sweetened by washing it in fair water and burning Spirit of Wine.

6. The Hercules [or strong Medicin] prescribed first by Bovius.

This Medicine will be the better prepared, if both the Metallick Bodies are dissol∣ved in the same menstruum, which by the prescription of Thomas Bovius is thus performed:

Take of calcined Vitriol and Nitre, of each one pound, distil them in an Oven for rever∣beration, pour the Liquor distilled into one pound of Sea-salt calcined, in a Glass Retort, and let it be drawn forth by the gentle heat of Sand, for it very easily arises: Let one part of this dissolve the Mercury, and the other the Gold; after which, putting both the dis∣solutions together, draw them off, and by frequent suffusions, adding every time a little less than a third part of the same menstruum, distil them again till the matter be suffi∣ciently fixed, which being sweetened, you may keep for your use, as aforesaid. The Dose is gr. iij. to vj. or vij. Or,

Take of purged Mercury ℥ iv. of filed Gold ℥ ss. make an Amalgama [or Paste] as afore∣said, to which when it is washed and put into a Retort, pour Bovius's forementioned menstruum, draw it off in an Oven of Sand, and by frequent suffusions, adding every time somewhat less than a third part of the same menstruum, distil it again, till the matter be sufficiently fixed; then calcine it upon a red hot Iron Plate, and unsweeten it by frequent washing and burning the Spirit of Wine. The Dose is from gr. iij. to vj. It works indifferently by Vomit, and in as much as it operates, beyond the Bowels, upon the mass of Bloud, it is helpful often in great Distempers.

Now, for the reason of this Chymical procedure, I say, that whilest these two Cham∣pions struggling between themselves, get hold of, and weaken each other, a third (and * 1.73 sometimes a fourth) comes and binds them together somewhat faster, and breaks them into smaller parts. For not onely the Gold by the Mercury, but both of them are dis∣solved by the menstruums, and divided into minute particles; then when the moisture is drawn away, the saline particles of the Metals are joined with the Salts of the men∣struum, whilest in the mean time the other metallick particles are intermingled, and shut up in the pores of the Salts. But yet this combination of theirs is not so close, as when the Metals among themselves, or either of them, with its proper menstruum, is by solution and coagulation reduced into a Precipitate. For in that compound Pre∣cipitate the menstrual particles, as well metallick as saline ones, being so many and di∣verse, cannot all be throughly united: wherefore thatmatter (as I have often observed) is usually not without much difficulty fixed and reduced to a Calx fit for medicinal uses; for if the heat whereby the menstruum is drawn off be too great, the Mercury will rise, and the Gold that is left will resume its own nature; but if the fire be weaker than it ought to be, the Salts will not join so fast as they should do with the metallick particles, but may be separated by meer washing; so that common Water, if poured upon the Precipitate, will quite dissolve it, and swallow into it self the whole matter, in so much that you must go to work almost anew, if you would make this Medicin.

The foundation of this Medicin is Mercury, upon the account of which it is expe∣cted * 1.74 that the particles thereof should ferment or leaven all the juices in Mans Body, and promote the expulsion of any heterogeneous matter that is gathered either in the Bowels or in the Vessels. The Gold seems to be added to tame the Mercury, and somewhat to rebate and take off the fury of it. Besides which, the Salts break both the bodies into small parts, and thereby the more easily lead them (as it were) into the mass of Bloud, and all other more retired parts.

In the Distillation of that Epicaene or common Menstruum that Bovius hath descri∣bed * 1.75 (it being such an one as dissolves both the Metals) there are notable strugglings and contentions (as it were for Religion and Property) between the Salts: for when the Aqua fortis is poured to Sea-salt already prepared, it seizes (as it were) the Coun∣try thereof, and takes possession, as of its own Inheritance, driving the spirit of the Salt thence like a Person disfranchised, or banished his own Native Land. This is more plain, if at any time the spirit of Vitriol, being poured to Sea-salt calcined, be put to be distilled; for with the least heat of a Balneum or Bath of Sand, the spirit of the Salt will arise altogether pure, like one forced out of his Country, when the Stagma, or distilled Liquor of Vitriol invades its habitation. Indeed these Salts are too near of kin than that they should incorporate; and that is the reason that when they are put into an habitation too narrow for them, they being not able to unite, nor coha∣bit, the stronger usurps a dominion over the weaker, and turns it out of doors.

CHAP. III. Touching the Cure of excessive Vomiting, as also of Medicins to stop it.

WHere Nature is put into a violent motion, she often goes beyond her bounds, * 1.76 and over-shoots the mark, in so much that sometimes she lacks to have a stop put to her career. This is evident in Vomiting, if at any time, through the operation of a Medicin, or other occasions, it be immoderate: and therefore it is the business of Physick, as well to asswage, as to provoke this fury in the stomach. How many ways and from what causes Vomiting uses to proceed without taking a Vomit, I have for∣merly declared; but besides that, it is obvious to our common observation that this evacuation, when caused by a Medicin, is sometimes so violent, and continues so long, that unless it be stopped by the help of Art, a mans life is thereby in manifest danger. As therefore in the Practice of Physick Emetick Medicins [or Vomits] are of necessa∣ry use; so sometimes, to stop that way of discharging [what is in the stomach] (as often as it is excessive or preternatural) we must use remedies quite contrary to the others, or Antidotes against Vomiting. I therefore shall shew, First, what Medicins cure excessive Vomiting, that is caused by taking a Vomit, and then, in the second place, how and by what remedies Physicians stop preternatural Vomiting, which pro∣ceeds from other causes.

As to the former, Vomiting that is caused by a Medicin, becomes more violent, and continueth longer, because the Animal spirits being extraordinarily provoked, and set on fire (as it were) do not easily or presently lay by their fury, but being often explo∣ded [or discharged] cause violent motions to vomit, which they several times repeat. Moreover, that explosive force being begun in the stomach, is propagated oftentimes into the spirits that inhabit the neighbouring parts, and from thence into others, till at last sometimes it gets into the whole race of them; in so much, that after Vomi∣ting there come gripes and convulsions in the bowels; after that, in the parts near the heart, and lastly, in the whole body, to the manifest hazard of a mans life.

The spirits are irritated or provoked either by a Medicin onely, which is dispropor∣tionate * 1.77 to them in quantity or quality; or over and above by other humours, as Gall, sharp Serum, and other things poured into the stomach whilest we are vomiting. Moreover in some People the Animal spirits are so tender and elastical, that when there is any motion to vomit, though but small, not onely those which reside in the stomach, but also all that are near it, are stirred into convulsive explosions. And hence it is, that many People when they have taken a Vomit, complain of the Spleen, [pains in] the Womb and other Bowels, as if they were very much out of order, and not easily recoverable, imputing the whole matter to vapours raised by the operation of such a Medicin, when really and truly that comes to pass by no other means than that the Animal spirits are put into too brisk a motion, and are not easily to be re∣duced.

In excessive Vomiting, caused by a Medicin, the Pa•…•…nt must be presently put to Bed, and plyed very carefully with outward as well as inward remedies; and first of * 1.78 all, to appease the Inhabitants of the stomach, either you must use an hot fermenta∣tion made of the decoction of Wormwood of Pontus, Mint and Spices in red Wine, or a Cake made of Crums of toasted Bread, and dipped into hot Claret. Give the Party a Clyster of Milk and Treacle: let him be rubbed with warm clothes and bound hard above the Knee, to prevent Convulsions in those parts. In the mean time let the stomach be kept empty, unless in case of fainting; but as soon as he can take any Food or Physick, let it be Cordial Water, or hot burnt Wine. In an extraordinary commotion, if the Pulse allow it, Treacle of Andromachus, or Diascordium, as sometimes dissolved Laudanum, or Tincture of Opium are good.

In preternatural Vomiting, that is caused by other means, you must consider, whe∣ther * 1.79 it be critical or symptomatical. In the former case, we are to do nothing rashly or on the sudden; let not such a discharge, if the Body can bear it, be stopped by any means; but let the passage of the matter which is to be expelled, be made more easie or hastened, or turned some other way. And hence it is, that when any maukishness, or motion to vomit comes upon a man, it is proper to give him Ale, either in Posset, or by it self, or altered with the leaves of Cardu•…•…s boyled in it, and sometimes also Oxy•…•…el, or Wine of Squils, or Stibiate. So likewise sometimes a Clyster will do well, and otherwhiles a gentle Purge carries off the matter that swells in the stomach an ea∣sier way through the Guts.

In symptomatical Vomiting the conjunct cause (as I told you before) either is in the stomach, where it produces such an effect, or in other parts, where it causes Convul∣sions, and by communication of the Nerves, causes motions to vomit in the stomach, as in fits of the Stone in the Reins, the Colick, Fits of the Mother, Meagrim, and ma∣ny * 1.80 other Distempers it usually happens; the Cure of which sympathical Vomiting de∣pends upon the curing of the primary or original Disease.

When the stomach is first affected, the reason is, because the nervous fibres thereof being irritated above measure, set the other motive ones upon contractive expulsions. But they are provoked by an improportionate object, to wit, in as much as a certain matter lies upon them, which they cannot well concoct, subdue, or thrust down into the Guts; but must of necessity cast it out as soon as possible by way of Vomit. That matter grows so incongruous or unruly, either through its own illness, as it offends in quality or quantity, and disturbs the nervous fibres; or through fault of the stomach, that is, when the tone of it is loose, and the fibres thereof so weak, that they cannot master, or endure so much as the Chyle it self, much less excrementitious humours, but being impatient of all burdens: throw off all that is within, by Vomit. Of both which cases, since there are several instances and various ways of bringing it so to pass, I will here briefly lay down some of the chiefest, together with the remedies and the reasons of them.

The matter that gives the Vomit, being in the stomach, is either poured into it from other Vessels, or through defect, or depravation of concoction, is therein generated; but in both respects the present load ought first to be removed, and then care to be ta∣ken how to prevent its farther growth for the future.

That therefore the impure conflux of viscous matter may be cleared out of the sto∣mach, let the Patient take a gentle Vomit of Whey with Carduus infused in it, or Oxy∣mel, or Wine of Squils, or with the Decoction of Camomile Flowers, Roots, the Dissolution of Salt of Vitriol, or other the like Medicins; and then let the reliques be carried a∣way gently by Clysters or Purging, with Mastich stomach Pills, Gum, or Tinctura Sa∣cra, or the Infusion of Rhubarb. Moreover when the Bloud being impure or putrid, brings new supplies of incongruous matter into the stomach, either through the Arteries or Choler vessels, which oftentimes overflow, and thereby disposeth a man to vomit, Bloud-letting sometimes is good, and therefore vomiting in Women great with child is frequently cured by this kind of remedy. Those things also are helpful, that so temper the Bloud, as that no adust or dry filth may be generated in it. Hence Whey, drinking the Waters, the Juices of Herbs, Sal Prunella, and the like, very often remove that disposition to vomit, in as much as that they set the Bloud a float, and carry the drossie part of it another way. And these kind of remedies too will be useful, if fre∣quent and daily vomiting proceed from the contention and struggling of the Gall and Sweetbread juice which rejounce (as some think) into the stomach.

That Vomiting is more frequent and harder to be cured, which proceeds from in∣congruous matter, that is consequently emetical [or vomitive] and generated within the stomach; in as much as all things which the Party eats, through the vitiated fer∣ment of the Bowel, degenerate into a provoking kind of putrifaction. Wherefore in * 1.81 this case, when the filth of the stomach is carried off by gentle Purges, the Remedies commonly called Digeste〈…〉〈…〉 are wont to be made use of; which, according as the fermenting juice of the stomach (which is most commonly of a salt nature, and some∣times of a sulphureous) differs either in fixedness, fluidness, or adustness, are of divers sorts, and work sometimes one way and sometimes another.

In belching and sower Vomitings, try the Medicins following, and take your mea∣sures * 1.82 for the use of them from the help you find by them.

Take of the Powder of Cuckow-pintle compound ℥ j. ss. of Salt of Wormwood ʒ ij. of Su∣gar of Roses ʒ iij. make a Powder and give ʒ j. of it in the morning, and at five of the Clock in the afternoon, in a small draught of Mace Ale, and a Toast, or in distilled Water, or the tincture of Wormwood of Pontus.

Take of Powder of Ivory, Crabs eyes, and red Coral, of each ʒ ij. of calcined Coral ʒ j. of red Sanderi and Cinamon of each ʒ ss. make a Powder. The Dose is ʒ ss. after the same manner.

Take of the Powder of Lignum Aloes, Citron-coloured Sanders, and Winter Bark, of each ʒ ij. of the whitest Chalk ʒ vj. of white Sugar ℥ ss. of Gum dragant dissolved, with Mint Water a convenient quantity, make a Paste, and form it into Trochies or

Balls of the weight of ʒ ss. of which let the Patient eat iij. or iv. three or four times a day.

Take of the Tincture of Salt of Tartar ℥ j. The Dose is ℈ j. to ʒ ss. twice in a day in distilled Water made on purpose.

2. In sharp and hot Vomiting Medicins that have acid and vitriolick Salt in them are more proper. * 1.83

That famous Medicin of Riverius takes place in this case.

Take of the Salt of Wormwood ℈ j. give it in a Spoonful of the juice of Limons.

Take of prepared Coral ʒ ij. of Salt of Wormwood ʒ j. ss. of juice of Limons ℥ iv. let them stand in a Glass big enough, and put to them of strong Cinamon Water ℥ ij. The Dose is one Spoonful or two twice in a day, shaking the Vessel first.

Take of the Powder of Ivory and Coral, of each ʒ ij. of Vitriol of Mars ʒ j. of white Sugar ℥ j. mingle them and divide them into 6 or 8 parts, and let the first part be taken twice in a day with a convenient vehicle, or matter to convey it down in [as Wine or the like.

In this case Mineral Waters that are purging, having a great deal of Nitre in them, as likewise Iron stone Waters, yea and our artificial Chalybeates or Steel-waters too, use to afford extraordinary help.

3. If the Stomach at any time by changing most things that are taken into it, to * 1.84 cholerick and bitter putrefaction (as it is often used to do) doth thereby incline to frequent Vomitings, then such remedies are most proper as are acid and bitter.

Take of the Elixir proprietatis ℥ j. The Dose is ℈ j. twice in a day in a convenient vehicle.

Take of the Powder of Rhubarb gr. xxv. of Salt of Wormwood ℈ j. of Cinamon water ℥ ss. of juice of Limons ℥ j. mingle them, and take it either by it self, or with any other Liquor.

Take of the Powder of Cuckowpintle comp. ℥ j. ss. of white Chrystalline Tartar ʒ iij. of Vitriol of Mars ʒ j. of Sugar ℥ ss. make a Powder. The Dose is ʒ ss. or ℈ ij. drinking upon it each morning a draught of the Tincture of Wormwood of Pontus, or Coffee.

Take of the Powder of Crabs eyes ℥ ss. of Chalybeate Tartar ʒ ij. of white Sugar ʒ j. make a Powder. The Dose is ʒ ss. with a convenient vehicle twice a day.

The cause of frequent and habitual Vomiting proceeds oftentimes not so much * 1.85 from the matter irritating the stomach, as the weakness of the nervous fibres thereof, and their too great aptitude to be provoked; in as much as they being very tender and infirm, can neither concoct what comesin, nor endure the burden or load of them; but on the contrary are presently disturbed by any thing that lies upon them, and con∣sequently, in order to expel and drive out whatever is troublesom to them, excite the fleshy fibres to put themselves into a motion of Vomiting.

Of this Indisposition there are two several cases: to wit, either this weakness of the * 1.86 stomach, being in the fibres themselves, is caused by inordinate ways, as by Cropsick∣ness, Debauchery, for last nights drinking constantly and to excess, frequent guzling of Wine, or hot Waters, and other errours in our Diet; in as much as the fibres be∣ing beyond measure distended, or too much heated, and as it were roasted, cannot admit, or keep in them, animal spirits enough: Or secondly, those fibres, though well * 1.87 enough disposed in themselves, and through the obstruction of the Nerves in some part or other, are deprived of the due afflux of spirits, and consequently being languid and slack or lank, cannot indure what is brought in, but presently force it upward by way of Vomit. So I have known several persons, that without any uncleanness of the stomach, or languidness contracted by inordinacy, being troubled with a kind of Palsie in this part, have wanted an appetite, and were subject to perpetual Vomiting.

In the former of these cases, such remedies are proper, as may by their styptick or * 1.88 restringent virtue cause the fibres that are too much distended, and thin, to shrivle and

contract themselves into a lesser space; and also such, as by their grateful allurements may entice the spirits thither in greater plenty, and likewise refresh or recruit them, when weak.

Take of Elixir of Mynsichts Vitriol ℥j. The Dose is from gr. 10. to 15. twice or thrice a day, in a spoonfal of the following distilled Water, drinking of the same thereupon 7. or 8. spoonfuls.

Take of the tops of Cypress m. vj. of the leaves of Clary m. iv. the outward rinds of 12. Oranges, Cinamon and Mace of each ℥j. of the roots of Cyper•…•…s [one kind of Galingal] and the lesser Galingal, of each ℥ss. which having cut and bruised, pour to them lb viij. of Mum. Distil them with the common instruments.

Take of the Tincture of Balsam of Tola, and of the T•…•…cture of Salt of Tartar extracted ℥j. The Dose is gr. 20. with the same vehicle. Tincture of Wormwood prepared with the same menstruum, may be tried.

Take of the Powder of Wormwood leaves, of Myrtle dried in the Sun, of each ʒij. of Ci∣namon, and the flowers of red Roses, of each ʒj. of Cubebs, of the roots of the besser Ga∣lingal, of each ʒss. of red Coral ʒj. make of them all a small Powder, then of the whitest sort of Sugar, dissolved in Cinamon Water, being made into Tablets ℥vj.and let the weight of each Tablet be ʒss. Let the Patient eat one or two of them at any time when be will.

Take of the Conserve of red Roses vitriolated ℥iv. of preserved Myrabolans ʒvj. of Ginger pickled in India ℥ss. the species of Jaci•…•…th ʒij. of the reddest crocus of Iron ʒj. of Syr•…•…p of Corals, as much as will ferve, and make an Electuary. The Dose is ʒj. twice a day, drinking upon it a draught of the distilled Water.

2. In case of weakness or slackness in the tone of the stomach by reason of an obstruction somewhere in the Nerves, those Medicins which are antiparalytick, or * 1.89 good against the Palsie, together with stomach remedies too, will be of special use.

Take of Elixir Proprietatis tartarized ℥j. The Dose is ℈j. twice a day with the Water formerly prescribed. Tincture of the Salt of Tartar, of Coral and Antimony, may be used the same way. In this case Spirit of sweet Salt, as also Spirit of Sal Ammoniack, or the flower of it, do a great deal of good. Vomits, Purges, and even Sweating Me∣dicins are oftentimes helpful. I have known this Diftemper cured sometimes by bathing in our Baths at Bath.

Notes

• * 1.1

  How the Sto∣mach and Wea∣zou are affected in vomiting.
• * 1.2

  What fibres per∣form the business of Vomiting.
• * 1.3

  Vomiting a Convulsion.
• * 1.4

  How Vomiting differs from e∣ther Spasms.
• * 1.5

  The immediate cause of Vomit∣ing.
• * 1.6

  How the Spirits are moved in Vomiting.
• * 1.7

  The more remote causes of Vomit∣ing.
• * 1.8

  The chief cause of Vomiting. An Organ of Sense in the Stomach.
• * 1.9

  The Provoca∣tives to Vomit, are either ta∣ken in at the mouth;
• * 1.10

  Or generated in the Stomach,
• * 1.11

  Or is s•…•…nt from some other part:
• * 1.12

  The Vomitive matter comes through the Nerves too.
• * 1.13

  Vomiting by sympathy or consent.
• * 1.14

  By consent of what parts.
• * 1.15

  First from both •…•…fices of the Stomach.
• * 1.16

  From the Pylo∣rus.
• * 1.17

  Instance in a particular case.
• * 1.18

  Vomiting from the shutting of the left orifice of the S omach. A notable case.
• * 1.19

  The cause of sympathical Vomiting.
• * 1.20

  Vomiting cau∣sed by inter∣course of the Nerves.
• * 1.21

  In the Head.
• * 1.22

  In the lower Belly.
• * 1.23

  How Vomits work.
• * 1.24

  The reason why we vomit rather than discharge by Stool.
• * 1.25

  Vomits are ei∣ther stronger or more gentle.
• * 1.26

  Stong Vomits are next to Poisons.
• * 1.27

  How they ope∣rate in the Sto∣mach.
• * 1.28

  How they af∣fect it.
• * 1.29

  Wh•…•…t and of how many sorts the matter is, thrown •…•…ff by Vomits.
• * 1.30

  How Vomits work.
• * 1.31

  Why there are intervals in Vomiting.
• * 1.32

  Vomiting not easily stopped.
• * 1.33

  Humburg squ∣zed into the Stomach in∣crease the ope∣ration.
• * 1.34

  Why Vomits work sooner in some People.
• * 1.35

  How Vomits in a solid s•…•…rm work.
• * 1.36

  Vomits do not work alike in all Doses.
• * 1.37

  Vomits do not work by a spe∣cifick virtue.
• * 1.38

  Vomits do not work upon pl∣culiar H•…•…mours.
• * 1.39

  If Vomits are convenient, they are better than any other physick.
• * 1.40

  It is to b•…•… used with caution.
• * 1.41

  The Indicati•…•… of Vomiting.
• * 1.42

  Things that permit it.
• * 1.43

  Things that pro∣hibit it.
• * 1.44

  Vitriol Vomits.
• * 1.45

  Theophrastus •…•…is Gilla.
• * 1.46

  T•…•… use of it.
• * 1.47

  Antimonial Vo∣mits Crude Antimony no Vomit.
• * 1.48

  Wherein the Vomiting power of Antimony consists.
• * 1.49

  How the Parti∣cles of it become a Vomit.
• * 1.50

  Glass of Anti∣mony.
• * 1.51

  The reason of the Preparation.
• * 1.52

  Flower of A•…•…-timony.
• * 1.53

  The reason of this Prepara∣tion.
• * 1.54

  Crocus Metal∣lorum prepared.
• * 1.55

  The reason of it.
• * 1.56

  How to prepare Sulphur of A•…•…∣timony.
• * 1.57

  The reason of it.
• * 1.58

  The Composition of Antimony and common Sulphur.
• * 1.59

  The reason of the Preparation.
• * 1.60

  The Correction of this Medicin.
• * 1.61

  Sti•…•…iate Vo∣mits, and how they work.
• * 1.62

  How also Mer∣curial Medici•…•…s work.
• * 1.63

  Mercury or Quick silver b•…•… it self is not purging.
• * 1.64

  How it is m•…•…di operative.
• * 1.65

  1. Precipita∣ted by it self.
• * 1.66

  The reason of this Procedure.
• * 1.67

  The reason of this Preparation
• * 1.68

  Mercury preci∣pitated with corrosi•…•…e liq•…•…rs
• * 1.69

  The reason of this Pr•…•…aration
• * 1.70

  Why it grows red in this case.
• * 1.71

  How Mercurial Medicins work upon the Sto∣mach.
• * 1.72

  The reason of the Preparation
• * 1.73

  The reason of both these Pre∣parations.
• * 1.74

  The reason of the Hercules of Bo∣vius.
• * 1.75

  The reason of this Menstruum.
• * 1.76

  Immoderate Vo∣miting proceeds either from an Emetick Medi∣cin, or other Causes.
• * 1.77

  The reasons of the former are explained.
• * 1.78

  The Cure of it.
• * 1.79

  Natural Vomit∣ing is either critical or sym∣ptomatical.
• * 1.80

  The latter is ei∣ther idiopathi∣cal or affecting one proper part, or sympathical affecting two, by consent. What Method we ought to use when the Sto∣mach is first af∣fected.
• * 1.81

  How Vomiting that arises from a vitiated Sto∣mach is to be cured.
• * 1.82

  Remedies a∣gainst the too acid ferm••nt thereof.
• * 1.83

  Against the too sharp ferment of it.
• * 1.84

  Against the bit∣ter ferment of the Stomach.
• * 1.85

  Vomiting cau∣sed by the weakness of the Stomach.
• * 1.86

  Vomiting cau∣sed by weakness of the Stomach. Two cases.
• * 1.87

  Either the fi∣bres are too much relaxed; Or the Nerves are obstructed so as that the animal Spirits cannot flow in∣to them.
• * 1.88

  The Cure in the former case.
• * 1.89

  How the Palsie in the Stomach may be cured.